The House That Built Me

I know they say you can't go home again. 

I just had to come back one last time.
Ma'am I know you don't know me from Adam.
But these hand prints on the front steps are mine.
And up those stairs, in that little back bedroom
is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar.
And I bet you didn't know under that live oak
my favorite dog is buried in the yard.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
this brokenness inside me might start healing.
Out here its like I'm someone else,
I thought that maybe I could find myself
if I could just come in I swear I'll leave.
Won't take nothing but a memory
from the house that built me.

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years.
From 'Better Homes and Garden' magazines.
Plans were drawn, concrete poured,
and nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama's dream.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
this brokenness 

inside me might start healing. 

Out here its like I'm someone else,
I thought that maybe I could find myself.
If I could just come in I swear I'll leave.
Won't take nothing but a memory
from the house that built me.

You leave home, you move on and you do the best you can.
I got lost in this whole world and forgot who I am.

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
this brokenness inside me might start healing.
Out here its like I'm someone else,
I thought that maybe I could find myself.
If I could walk around I swear I'll leave.
Won't take nothing but a memory
from the house that built me.

Here's to you, 4411 Landon Drive. You provided the perfect backdrop for countless adventures, STNPs (stay the night parties), Gilmore Girls marathons, Tuesday night dinners, and oh so much more. I know you will do the same for the people who now call you home. 

Surprise!

Nothing beats a good surprise and a great friendship.

I am beyond excited to spend the next week together!

Here's to sharpies, yellow tiles, and best friends.

Movie Forts and Sammies

Today I tucked John and Hans in for the last time until February. How will I make it two months without movie forts, playdough fights, countless readings of Elmo's adventures, and car races? To tell you the truth, I am not sure.

These two have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. There innocence is sweet and their love is deep.

I simply can't imagine my weeks without them.

Here's to all the Sammies, bubbles, laughs, and love we've shared.

Football and Farms

Bluegrass. Bourbon. Basketball. All things someone would think of when they hear Kentucky. Football not so much, but that is exactly what landed me there. Samford was playing UK, and conveniently my friend Paul lives in Bowling Green. Perfect? I would say yes; the only thing that could make it even better would be a farm. Oh wait, that's where we stayed.

So there you have it, the perfect mixture for a harvest weekend. Football and Farms.

Most of our friends spent the first night in Nashville, so Rex, Paul, and I held down the fort with some monopoly (which I would have won, but Rex made sure that would not happen... smh) milkshakes, and a fire. It was the perfect Friday night.

The rest of the group joined us Saturday, and we headed to the game. We had to drive about two hours to get to UK, and of course that became an adventure of its own. Rex decided to eat Doritos (the one thing forbidden on any road trip... That smell. Ew.), we learned our hands were in the shape of Kentucky, and the Mississippi River was the star of conversation ( which, Paul can discuss with anyone later if he has a map).

By the time we found our seats, I would feel confident in saying it was 32 degrees. We were frozen by the end, but it was great to see the Bulldogs play. Although, we didn't come away with a W; the memories made were worth it all including the freezing temperatures.

We traveled back to Samford on Sunday, but not before having breakfast at the farm, playing a few rounds of connect four, and sitting in traffic for seven hours.

Memories made? For sure.

Here's to Neil Taing (the real reason we visited UK)

... Jack

I could not imagine my life without these people.

Here's to a night well spent.

Expectations

Recently I have been surrounded by conversations focused on expectations. Are they good? Are they bad? Should we have them? Do they lead to unhappiness? Is it possible to not have them?

Well, I don't really have the answers to these questions, but this is what I will hold my expectation in:

"As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20

Here's to a greater expectation.

Just Roll With It

Sometimes things just happen...

You see, Drew is from Prattville, and Doug is from Chelsea. What better way to celebrate these two gentlemen's high school legacies than to attend the Friday night football game between their schools... There is not a better way. We all got pumped for a little Friday Night Lights... a fight song may or may not have been taught. Friday finally arrives, so we all head to Chelsea high school. As we pull up all that greets us is a completely dark field, a few abandoned cars, and empty stands. The game was in Prattville... Yes, we went to the wrong high school. What do we do now? We head to the local arcade of course. Where we drive go karts, play some ski ball, and win a few thousand tickets (That's right this girl hit the jackpot. I have the nerf gun to prove it). We ended the night with some food and a movie, and we laughed from start to finish. It was a great night spent with great people.

Halloween was this week, so we all made plans to celebrate the Saturday before. There was this pub crawl downtown that sounded legit, so that was the plan, in costume of course. About an hour before we were supposed to leave, we realized the pub crawl was last year. Almost everyone was already in costume and ready to party like we're gonna die young (yes, that was a Ke$ha reference. No shame). We began the frantic chase of finding a new party; we were lead to Old Car Heaven's Horns and Halos party. What up DJ silky. We might have been the only people there for a solid hour, but hey an open dance floor and no line at the photo booth... I'll take it.

Both nights ended up being beyond fantastic... See you just gotta roll with it.

Here's to unexpected adventures

This Week

This week has been hard. This week has felt like a test from beginning to end. This week has been exhausting. This week challenged. This week. All that is to say, that I made it.

There were definitely times where I felt defeated and empty, but Abba gave me strength in so many ways. His words. Friends. My mom. Study breaks. Diet Coke. Pep talks. Laughter. Some how, He managed to fit all of these in at just the right time.

And that is how I conquered this week. Through Him and His unfailing love.

Here's to an Abba that provides strength through my weakness.

My Cry

In my distress I called to The Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.

Three Weekends, One Post

Three weeks. That is how long it has been since we chatted last... crazy huh? To say I have been in constant motion is an understatement. Now, do not worry. I am not going to fill you in on every detail of these past three weeks... ain't nobody got time for that. How about we hit some highlights? Ya dig?

The first two weekends were spent in the always lovely kpatch aka knoxville. The first was Tonja's birthday partyyyy (where she did not even hesitate to wear a forty and fabulous pageant sash... wouldn't have it any other way)!! Rex made the drive with me and got to experience the weekend from beginning to end. The party was fantastic, and as I sat there with the people who made me who I am, the people who inspire, the people who push me, the people who support me, and the people who love me I was simply in awe. It was such a blessing to look across the table and see all of these people together. The laughter was great, and the memories are dear. The next day was the UT FL game, and man, was I ready for some football. I missed last season while I was in London, so I was more than ready to rock my orange and white, sing rocky top till my lungs gave out, and fill that UT spirit all day long. It was a great day despite the outcome, and Rex only asked if he could go out into the lobby one time... (I was unaware there even was a lobby...) Sunday, we were Birmingham bound.

The next weekend was my dear cousin's wedding!! Also, such a celebration!! I loved sharing the day with her, and watching as she began her new life with the one she loved. It was beautiful from start to finish and totally worth the two blisters I walked away with.

Now, this past weekend was simply great to be reunited with the people I share my life with and this place that has become home. We did make our way to the ATL for a little braves and a lot of coke. That's right... you caught that, didn't you? The World of Coke was our first stop!! Now if you know me, you know I have a vice for some DC (Diet Coke) and awkward high fives if we are being honest here. It is a problem, but at least I can admit it. It was everything I wanted it to be and more!! Loved it from start to finish! The game was also beyond exciting!! I had never been to a Braves game before, so I loved finally getting to experience it. We wrapped the trip up with a burger from the Varsity and headed home. Memories were made from start to finish.

Wow, we did it? Three weekends, one post. Impressive, I know right.

Here's to the rest of the semester!

 

And some days you realize just how big this world is...

today was one of those days.

Take that in. Really, take that in. 

And never forget.    

Here's to continuous seeking in His name. 

It's Tonja's Birthday!!

Remember those celebrations I mentioned? Good, because today is a HUGE one!!! TONJA IS 40!!!! Is there a bigger reason to celebrate? I think not, so if you are reading this and have not stopped to tell her happy birthday... go do that now. Then return of course.

Okay so now that we have all sent her our happy birthdays and love, I can share with you a little bit about why this day is so important to me. Birthdays have and will always be one of my favorite things; they are a celebration of life. Can you get any better? No. We have each been gifted with this life, and birthdays are a reminder of how much weight that gift can hold. They are simply beautiful reminders to take it all in and truly live.

But, this one is particularly special. My mom is my best friend. She is the person I have traveled this life with. She is my constant. Today gives me a reason to celebrate that (not that I should need one).  Her strength is one of the attributes I admire most; whatever this world throws at her she handles it with grace, grows from the experience, and allows God to use the situation   in numerous manners. It is amazing, and often I am blown away by that.

Her willingness to listen to the Lord is also something I strive after. She continues to grow and seek Abba daily, and I have been privileged to watch  this ever evolving experience. I mean who leaves their job after 20ish years? I can only hope to remain that open to God's voice in my life.

Remaining that close to the Lord has allowed her to impact so many people in a variety of manners. I have watched her care for a small group of high school girls as if they were her own daughters for four years, share her life stories with girls who found themselves in the same position she did 21 years ago, serve countless people, and truly touch the lives of many with her joy. She has impacted this world.

All of these are lessons she has taught me about this life, but what she has taught most is to simply be joyous in all circumstances. Our joy is found in the Lord, not in this world. We have the daily option to choose joy; it is that choice that makes the rest possible. Now, many people mistake us for sisters, twins, or just compare us in general (I don't mind this at all... I mean there is no denying the resemblance), but I can only hope to also mirror her joy.

These things have made me who I am, and as we have each grown separately yet together we have impacted one another in a way many will never do. That is what makes us special. I Thank her for her patience through the whole process, and for always knowing we would end up stronger through it all. She is my best friend and my mom in every sense of both words.


Today, I celebrate her life. Her goals. Her accomplishments. Her faith. Her laugh. Her dreams. Her joy. Her humor. Her love. Her strength. Her endurance. Her wisdom. Her spirit. Her patience. Her friendship. Her heart. I celebrate her.


                                                                                                                                     


Happy Birthday Tonj!!!

Here is to the life she has lived and all that is left to be lived.

London is calling...

and I will be answering come December.

BEYOND EXCITED!

Oh, and did I mention I get to return with these two lovely ladies?

Here's to returning.

A Celebration

This weekend was full of celebrations. Life, wins, art, weather and friendships were all given their fair share of celebrations. It is such a joy to be able to celebrate; we need to hold on to the ability. It is a gift.

Fridays are always celebrations... When that final class ends, freedom can be felt in the air. Regardless of the papers looming over us or the books calling our names, Friday nights are ours. They are a time to enjoy and hold dear. I spent mine with great friends, some pizza, and a movie. It was a great night with people I hadn't been reunited with and some I had. It was a celebration of friendship, new and old.

Saturday held a celebration of life (and football... I see you orange and white and bow wow bulldogs on that Samford win). Jordan Ross is one of my closest friends, and it was a blessing to celebrate not only all he means to me but to others as well on his birthday. Before, his party I also got to celebrate a little art with Brooke and Caroline. It was the annual Art Walk downtown, so we took to the streets and soaked it all in.

Sunday was spent celebrating the beautiful weather Abba gifted us with. I could not have asked for a more perfect day. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, the leaves were falling.... Harvest is coming. I could not be more excited.

The celebration will continue... Tonja is celebrating the 40 this week! Stay tuned for that post... There might be some hidden gems of pictures. Just maybe. Oh, speaking of pictures here are a few from the weekend.

Here's to celebrating.

I Can Rawr Louder Than Your Car

You know that person you are just you with? Well, for me that is Rex, and today we celebrated our friendship.

I knew from the moment he called me a corrupted slut (it was the day after I met him...) that we would be friends, and all of those who knew us before London predicted it too. It just works. We are so alike in so many ways, yet we are complete opposites in others. He challenges me; that is what makes it worth it to me. Yes, the laughs are great, but the challenges are true friendship. They are what I am thankful for, so in honor of that we celebrated today.

It was full of some tasty food, a few fortunes, a little shopping, constant laughter, absurd moments, diet coke for me and coke for Rex, lion rawrs (Rex's car is loud, and today for some reason I decided to challenge it. As we were driving up a hill, I proclaimed, "I can Rawr louder than your car!" Without missing a beat, he rolled down his window and accepted my challenge with a "prove it.") meaningful discussions, and plenty of pictures. It was a great way to celebrate such a friendship.

Here's to Neil Taing... The only one who truly understands.

The One Where We Reminisce

A year ago today, I began the greatest adventure of my life. I had no idea what my time in London would bring, and as I stood there naive to the impact my experience would have on my life I took the first steps and boarded that plane. The rest is history. I made memories that I will always hold dear, but I made friendships that I will hold even closer.

Tonight, we all reunited to celebrate the fact that our great journey began a year ago. It was simply refreshing to all be together again. There is a connection with these people I will never share with anyone else. We all shared our favorite memories and simply reminisced on our time spent together in Londontown. Although we have all been pulled in numerous directions since returning, we picked up right where we left off. We are a family. See.

Here's to London and all it gave us... including each other.

It's All In How You View It

Oh my, so much has happened. I do this every time... I never really share the end of my adventures. I would like to blame it on time, but it is really so much more. It’s hard. You know? Endings are not my favorite things, and it seems the past year has thrown so many in my direction. London ended. Junior year ended. Apartment life ended. Relationships ended. Lives ended. To be honest, it has been hard. Maybe that is why I never share the end, but I learn so many things about life, myself, and others through all of these closings of chapters. I need to be reminded of that often; these experiences have molded me. They have changed everything about me. These endings lead to new beginnings, and for that I am beyond grateful.

The current new beginning is... are you ready for this? SENIOR YEAR. That’s right kids; this girl had her first day of senior year today. It is such an exciting beginning; I cannot wait to spend this year with some of the people I care about most in this world. I am living with my dear friends Brooke and Caroline again, and we also have a new roommate, Sarah. I have been reunited with the people I missed most, and many hugs, stories, and laughter have already been exchanged. I am beyond ready to share my life with these friends again. They mean the world to me.

My friendships are one of the most important aspects of this college life to me, but my classes are also pretty intriguing this semester. I am taking a forensic psychology course, social dance (that’s right... we get to wobble in class), North American landscapes, physiological psychology, and my senior research. Sounds like a legit semester to me. Right? It is crazy to look back at how my interests have changed. I mean I fell in love with geography this past semester... who would have thought that the girl who once got so lost she had to simply follow the hospital signs till her mom could come pick her up would declare a geography minor? Not me, that’s for sure.

Anyways, I am beyond ready for senior year and all it has to offer. Come at me. 

Here's to seeing a new beginning and not an ending. 

Seeking

The world is so vast. 

I want to change it. impact it. better it. desperately. 

This is my passion. 

How will I do this?

I am seeking... 

Sometimes You Just Have To Treat Yourself

 It’s been a week, and I still am at a loss for words to describe Tonja’s visit to the Magic City. I am pretty sure I could not do it justice, so I have decided to just use some of her own words to paint the picture. Brace yourself.  

“Sometimes you just have to treat yourself.” Jane Marie gets the credit for this, but Tonja decided to make it her life motto for the weekend."

“We have taken over this place... you two take over everywhere you go.”

“Queen Tatiana (umm... your name is Tonja...) needs some water... I mean could you put some more ice cubes in it”

“Will this make it on the blog?”

“Oh, you better not put this on the blog Christine Pappas!”

“He was very nice, but he is no Rex.”

“I would pay $80 to see her in Vegas!”

“Is this the world’s largest Krispy Kreme?”

“Oh, you shouldn’t come here at night Christine...”

“Her voice... her laugh... I hope you’re not like her when you grow up Christine.”

Well, those are just a few of the gems Tonja left me with. She is truly the best.

Here’s to a mother’s wisdom...

Hear my cry

I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

Enjoying the Moments

"Stop. Slow down. Enjoy the moment. We are making memories, Christine." I can not tell you how many time my mother has said these words to me. It is true... I do get caught up in reaching the goal and often miss the small things.

As I have reached adulthood, I must say these moments are slowly taking precedence over the larger outcome. This visit home had no particular "goal," but that allowed for me to slow down and take in all of these smaller moments. Here are just a few.

I held baby Maddex for the first time! He immediately stole my heart, and I can not wait to watch him grow into a man. I must confess, I have never found myself attached to a baby. I could take or leave them but not Maddex... He hooked me instantly.

I spent an entire day with one of my favorite people in the world, Abbie Roberts. We canned pears, made dinner, did some crafts, and ended on a meaningful discussion. The Roberts family is one of the biggest blessings I have, and I cherish each one of them.

Tonj and I had more simple moments this trip then we ever had. We watched the opening ceremonies, got pedicures, saw a movie, had breakfast together, shopped a little, and simply laughed. It was joyous from start to finish.

There you have it. Just a few of the memories from this weekend. There were so many more great moments, and the trip was a great reminder to slow down and appreciate all the little moments.

It is funny how the words I once rolled my eyes at are the ones defining who I am and who I want to be.

Here's to stopping and enjoying the moment for all it has to offer.

Sometimes It Takes Leaving

I am going home tomorrow!! I am beyond excited to be in the city I call home, laugh with my mother, hug my best friends, and so much more. Knoxville simply has a piece of my heart no other place can take, but preparing for this trip has made me aware of just how much Birmingham also holds its own place.

This will be the longest I have been away from Birmingham since I moved into the apartment, and to be honest I am a little sad. It has become a home of its own. It has housed an abundance of memories, laughter, real talks, and simple daily tasks this summer, but the people who make all these things possible are the true blessings.

My roommate, Sarah, has been one of the brightest joys of the summer. She is simply joy herself; I never see her without a smile or a laugh on her face. It is that joy that makes coming home so great! I will miss sharing my days with her while I am home.

Remember that laughter I mentioned? Well, Drew and Caleb are a major source. They fill the apartment with laughter every time they visit, but they are also so much more then that. The meaningful talks, the genuine kindness, and the openness are all aspects that make me so appreciative of their friendship individually.

Doug and Paige also called Birmingham home this summer (Doug commuted but just go with it). Everything from game nights with Rex to some of the best pool days of the summer were shared with these two. Doug always says exactly what is on his mind, and I find it beyond refreshing to be surrounded by someone so true to who they are. Respect. Paige has such a giving heart and is beyond gifted in so many areas of life. She is simply fun.

These are the people I have shared so much of my life with this summer. These are the people who have pushed me to grow. These are the people who became my family. These are the people I will miss while I am home.

Here's to each of them. Thank you.

And It Got Me

You see, this story requires some background material. So, won’t you join me for a stroll down memory lane? I thought so. My friend, Evan, is from California, and last year he invited a group of us to travel the open road with him to California. How could you pass that up? I didn’t, that’s for sure, so the adventure across country began. Seven people. Two weeks. Thousands of miles (ask Matt for the exact count... or you can check his facebook timeline). Even more laughs. A lifetime of memories. There is a bond. We traveled the country together.  However, this summer life and adulthood got the best of us. Two weeks was simply impossible for most of our schedules, so we had to settle on a weekend. Nashville was chosen, and now here we are.

Evan hosted us all at his aunt and uncle’s house, and the trip was simply wonderful.  It fell at just the right time, with just the right people.  Not to mention, simply being in Tennessee brings a certain joy no other place can fulfill. It is home; it always will be.

Now, I have been to Nashville several times: school trips, concerts, and random visits. There is just something about the city. It offers so many different aspects; great music, heritage (Tennessean, and not to mention a little nod to my Greek roots. That’s right, I see you Parthenon replica.), and oh man the hipsters... aka I love it.

However, this visit was a little different. There was no agenda; it was more about the people not the city. So, we filled our days with good food, great conversations, Minnesota accents, intense games of spoons, sweet brown, spades, Hot Rod, a little shopping (thanks, boys),  Newsboys and Nsync (winning combination, if I may say so myself), and plenty of laughter. It was simple. It was refreshing.

I have been very blessed to experience so much of life. I mean, isn’t it everyone’s dream to road trip it to California? How did I get so lucky that it was a reality in my life?  There is no reason; I am simply blessed. 

Here's to experiencing life together.  

Sesame Chicken and Skittles

STNP. Stay the night party. It might be the girl in me who loved spending the night with friends, staying up all night, and talking about everything. There's just something special about going to sleep and waking up with the party still going.

So, this past weekend Rex and I hosted one for a few of our friends (separate rooms... Don't worry mom). Matt, Zach, and Stephanie all took a break from their own summer shenanigans to join ours for the weekend.

I was a little tardy to the party the first night. Caroline was in town too, so I spent the night with her, some poetry, and a few brews. Solid choice, but the STNP was going strong when I got home. It was simply great to see each of them and hear about their summer so far.

The second day was the true adventure. Muffins. Puppies. Cake. Swimming. Laughter. All before dinner. It was simply great to experience life together again. We decided to go to the drive-in that night. Steph and Matt had never had take-out, so Chinese take-out was now a necessity. And, what's a movie without candy? A candy stop was made (tresfortres), and the phrase sesame chicken and skittles was born. It was perfect.

From there the night includes a stuffed bear, a hockey mask, more movies, even more laughter, a sunrise, a noise complaint, memories, and finally sleep.

Breakfast and Popsicles followed that next day before everyone went their separate ways. Rex left for home. Zach went back to camp. Matt's job was calling his name.

Steph and I were left to hold the fort down. Needless to say, we were extremely tired. But, the night lead to a great conversation about life and just how blessed we are by these friendships, these people we chose to do life with, these memories. We are lucky without a doubt.

Well, I'm off to Nashville for a few days. I'm sure stories will be told.

Here's to STNPs and all they bring.

Sweet Summertime

You know that feeling that only comes with summer? It is that little extra something that turns ordinary activities into adventures during sweet summer time. Well, this weekend was packed with some of those magic summer moments:

*old friends

*summer rain

*blueberries

*laughter

*peaceful times with my Abba

*games

*new friends

*popsicles

*meaningful conversations

*fountain diet coke

*a lazy Sunday afternoon

*joy

It was one for the record books.

Here’s to the magic of summer. 

Simply Living

Living. In its simplest form is the act of life, and that is exactly what I have been doing. I am working, cooking for myself, exploring this city, and building new friendships. It feels like an actual life; the past year was full of out of body experiences that almost seem so unreal to be my own. Who gets to simply discover the countryside of London one weekend and find themselves amongst the waters of Venice the next? Not many. Those experiences will forever hold a distinct place in life, but I know that realistically I cannot have those constant grand adventures on a day to day life.

I can have different adventures. Instead of spending the weekend in Paris, I discovered the local French restaurant. I spend my afternoons exploring in the local discovery center, instead of surrounded by the impressionists in the National Gallery. They are simply new adventures, and I am still learning so much about myself through them.

Okay, so let’s catch up... shall we? We shall. I have started working, and that means I now find myself at swim lessons, searching for that missing sock, or pretending to be a princess all afternoon. I am blessed. Children have always found their way into my heart, and these kids are doing just the same. It is something about that pure joy of a child that brings me my own joy.

The apartment is simply great, and I am getting to know my roommates more and more each day. I did not know either of them on a close basis before we moved in, but that is changing. Whether it be through Monday night Bachelorette discussions to craft days covered in paint real friendships are being built.

The restaurant adventure has continued and many more have been crossed of the list. The highlights for me have been Chez Fon Fon, Do Di Yos, and The Brick and Tin. All three bring such different foods to the table (literally) while offering unique atmospheres. Each experience is unique in its own. The people I am with, the actual food we eat, the day’s events, and so many other elements change each time, but the laughing of friends, the learning of new things, and the discovering of the city are all interwoven into each experience. It is so much more than food.

Work is calling my name, and Caroline is coming to visit this weekend!! I must go get ready for both.

Here’s to living in the now. 

New Things

Ramen has been eaten (sorry Mom, I am going grocery shopping tomorrow... promise). A mattress has been bought. Checks have been written. Ahhhh! And, it’s only day two. I am constantly excited about this little place that will be home; it takes the smell of a candle (completely forbidden in the dorms of course... I mean fire... satan? We get it) to make my heart simply full of excitement. 

The adventures have already started, so let’s get down to business.  Okay, so a major part of the adventures revolve around an idea Rex had to try all new restaurants this summer. I am totally onboard. Birmingham has one of the most diverse food scenes, but the real appeal to me is discovering. The city is extremely divided into unique areas and what better way to experience them all than through their food. So, to kick off the list we started off with a French café and a movie on Friday followed up by a quaint, retro dinner and a whisky bar tonight. I loved them both, but I might say tonight was the winner.

Although the food was delicious, my favorite part has been the conversations, the getting there, the sharing of experiences, the friendships. I am truly blessed to have such a strong group of friends who I can share all this with.  

Well there is so much more to say, but we are about to have our first STNP (stay the night party). What up Stephanie for the visit!

Here’s to trying new things. 

A New Adventure

So, we find ourselves here again... surrounded by boxes, hidden beneath piles, and lacking all motivation to pack. Funny how time repeats itself. Okay, okay I know it has been too long, but you have to give me credit for at least returning. I could have abandoned you. I could have simply left you to fend for yourself like the so many neglected others. But, no here I am with Alabama Shakes playing in the background (look them up... obsessed) and a new story to tell. Are you ready?     

I move in to an apartment on Saturday. That’s right I signed a lease and everything, but wait there’s a catch. It is only for a few months. I am subletting for the summer, so I like to refer to it as temporary adulthood. No matter, I will call 707 home for three months. I will pay an electricity bill. I will have a front door. I will have a stove. So, there you have it the new adventure.

Before it can all begin, I must pack my boxes and leave this town I call home. My heart truly belongs to both these cities (and London... for that matter); I miss the other when not in it. They each offer such vital things; one will always be home where I am surrounded by the love of my mom and the care of those who have known me for years, the other is a sense of independence mixed with the excitement of new friends and growth. I love them both, but Birmingham is simply calling my name this summer.

Can’t wait to keep you all updated on the new things I discover about myself, Birmingham, adulthood, and simply life.

Here’s to a new adventure

None Of Your Business

STEPSING. STEPSING. STEPSING.

That is my life right now.
The music. The dancing. The girls.
IGNATION. Enough said.
Blessed by it all.

Here's to it IGnite. Sweepstakes Bound.

The Final Weeks.

Munich Airport. 

It is raining, and I should be packing. But, you know what? I have absolutely zero motivation to pack, so here I am blogging it up and putting off all the boxes, tape, and mess. Before I go any further I must apologize for the neglect. My time in London went by so fast, and it was hard to even have time to call home. But, what you must know is that it is a good sign. I was exploring the city, deepening relationships, and growing in every way possible. It was the best experience of my life; and my heart has forever been linked to London’s.

Perfect. 

So what did you miss? Thanksgiving was a blast. It was different, but oh so much fun. My birthday came along soon after. It was a great day, but also a sad day. It was our last night all together. There were laughs, tears (most by me), and of course memories being told all night long. It was an absolutely wonderful way to greet 21 and an even better way to say goodbye to the people who became my family.

Thanksgiving. 

LOVE IT. 

We love a self timer.

After that was the great adventure! Two Weeks, Ten Cities, and Oh the memories. It was truly the great adventure. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain all greeted us with open arms. We did everything from seeing The Alps to renting our own boats in Barcelona. It was the trip of a lifetime. Before I knew it Knoxville was calling my name, and here I am.

Barcelonaa! Barcelonaa!

Check those alps. 

America was calling our name.

Well that is what you missed in a nutshell. Break has been full of quality time with the people I missed most and the city that will always be home. I have been blessed by so many in such a short time, and it was the perfect transition back to life in the states. Now, classes are about to start, and I will be Samford bound on Saturday.

Barcelona Sunshine. 

Now that we are caught up let’s talk about the future (not to far though… that is a little scary especially for this college student whose senior year is quickly approaching). I am keeping the blog. I like sharing with you guys. It will basically be what I am feeling at that time. That may mean the newest Civil War’s song, a random story, or just about anything. So stay tuned for that. I am beyond sure this semester will be amazing, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

Here’s to a new adventure.

Home. Best Friend. Perfect.